Based on 26 years of fieldwork by anthropologist/primatologist Dr. Shirley Strum, BABOON TALES explores the complex world of a troop of Olive Baboons in Kenya. In sharp contrast to early theories of baboon behavior, which focused on male aggression, this program enables audiences to appreciate a society of masterful social strategists weaving a shifting web of relationships with family, friends and enemies. It may change your mind about what it means to be a baboon, and about what it means to be human.
To discover how baboons succeed in their society, BABOON TALES follows the real life adventures of five infants navigating their first year of a decade-long journey to adulthood, as the troop adapts to drought in East Africa.
'A beautifully filmed documentary with a story that is at once highly informative and emotionally compelling...The film bears the unique stamp of Dr. Strum's commitment and perspective gained during several decades of experience living and conducting research in Kenya.' Jeanne Altmann, Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University.
'Why read Dr. Spock when you can get all the parenting tips you need from imitating the primates in BABOON TALES?' The Hollywood Reporter
'Viewers are taken directly into the 'troop' of baboons, yet the camera isn't invasive in recording subtle expressions and gestures - a testament to the [filmmakers'] professionalism.' The Tampa Tribune
'[In] many wildlife documentaries...every 15 minutes there seems to be a life-and-death chase and a bloody kill. BABOON TALES offers something different. Different and estimable and fascinating.' Vue, New York Daily News
'An engaging portrait of creatures who, in many ways, are much like ourselves (butts notwithstanding). Recommended' Video Librarian
'Shows clear, concrete examples of many topics covered in comparative psychology courses, including social interaction, dominance hierarchies, socialization of young in species with a social living structure, juvenile apprenticeships, modulation of aggression, conflict and reconciliation, maintenance of social relationships, social alliances, temperament, maternal derivation of initial rank, and changes in social status with maturation...makes the harsh realities of life very tangible. I have used the film in class several times, and always get comments from several students about how deeply affected they were by the stories in the film.' Michael J. Renner, Department of Psychology, West Chester University
